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Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Camino Inca Camino Inka)
Hiking Trail
Hard
26.31 mi
9,560 ft
One of the most famous hikes in the World, finishing at "The Lost City of the Incas," this should be on the hit-list of any hiker.
Truly one of the great journeys of the World, even the words "Inca Trail" are evocative and inspiring to any hiker. There are actually several variants on the hike but the "real" one is the 43 kilometre trip from Km82 (so called because it is located 82 kilometres along the railway line between Cusco and Machu Picchu) to Machu Picchu itself. The trip begins in the fascinating and bustling city of Cusco (which was the colonial capital of the Inca and Spanish empires) and from there it is a 3 hour vehicle journey up to Km82 and the beginning of the hike. Cusco itself is at 3400 metre above sea level but Km82 is "only" 2600 metres, so most hikers don't struggle with the altitude initially having got some acclimatisation in the bag in Cusco. From Km82, the hike averages around 10 kilometres per day so it is not overly strenuous for a moderately fit and experienced hiker but it does reach an altitude of 4200 metres at Warmiwanusca Pass so spending a couple of days is Cusco before setting off is a good idea to increase the red blood cell count! The trail is very clear throughout and much of it is the originally constructed Inca trail, albeit with some renovations in places. The accommodation during the trek is in tents and a permit is required to do the hike (this policy was introduced in 2001 in response to erosion and unsustainable visitor numbers) as is a guide. It is no longer possible to hike the trail un-guided and "only" 200 hikers (plus 300 porters) are permitted to start the hike every day. Organising a guide in advance is vital because demand is so high. Despite the crowds, the trip remains an extraordinary experience and culminates with arriving at Intipunku (Sun gate) for sunrise over Machu Picchu. If you still have the energy, hiking up Huayna Picchu (a peak behind Machu Picchu) is well worth it after you've explored the fascinating ruins of the settlements itself. From Machu Picchu, all that remains is a short hike down to the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly known as Aguas Calientes). Written by Charlie Boscoe
Truly one of the great journeys of the World, even the words "Inca Trail" are evocative and inspiring to any hiker. There are actually several variants on the hike but the "real" one is the 43 kilometre trip from Km82 (so called because it is located 82 kilometres along the railway line between Cusco and Machu Picchu) to Machu Picchu itself. The trip begins in the fascinating and bustling city of Cusco (which was the colonial capital of the Inca and Spanish empires) and from there it is a 3 hour vehicle journey up to Km82 and the beginning of the hike. Cusco itself is at 3400 metre above sea level but Km82 is "only" 2600 metres, so most hikers don't struggle with the altitude initially having got some acclimatisation in the bag in Cusco. From Km82, the hike averages around 10 kilometres per day so it is not overly strenuous for a moderately fit and experienced hiker but it does reach an altitude of 4200 metres at Warmiwanusca Pass so spending a couple of days is Cusco before setting off is a good idea to increase the red blood cell count! The trail is very clear throughout and much of it is the originally constructed Inca trail, albeit with some renovations in places. The accommodation during the trek is in tents and a permit is required to do the hike (this policy was introduced in 2001 in response to erosion and unsustainable visitor numbers) as is a guide. It is no longer possible to hike the trail un-guided and "only" 200 hikers (plus 300 porters) are permitted to start the hike every day. Organising a guide in advance is vital because demand is so high. Despite the crowds, the trip remains an extraordinary experience and culminates with arriving at Intipunku (Sun gate) for sunrise over Machu Picchu. If you still have the energy, hiking up Huayna Picchu (a peak behind Machu Picchu) is well worth it after you've explored the fascinating ruins of the settlements itself. From Machu Picchu, all that remains is a short hike down to the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly known as Aguas Calientes). Written by Charlie Boscoe
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.68 mi | 180 ft | 4.4% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.42 mi | 171 ft | 7.5% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.24 mi | 148 ft | 11.3% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 1.54 mi | 617 ft | 7.6% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.26 mi | 135 ft | 9.5% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 4.79 mi | 4,232 ft | 16.7% |
| Inca Trial Climb | 0.58 mi | 676 ft | 21.8% |
| Inca Trail Day 2 climb | 3.56 mi | 3,888 ft | 20.5% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.53 mi | 463 ft | 16.2% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.95 mi | 912 ft | 18.0% |
| Dead Woman Pass from lunch stop | 1.03 mi | 1,650 ft | 30.1% |
| Dead Woman's pass to camp | 1.68 mi | -2,057 ft | -23.0% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.57 mi | 597 ft | 19.7% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.40 mi | 600 ft | 27.9% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.67 mi | 331 ft | 9.3% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.19 mi | 148 ft | 14.3% |
| Ch'aki cocha mirador | 0.65 mi | 341 ft | 9.8% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.19 mi | 200 ft | 19.6% |
| Inca Trail Climb | 0.46 mi | 138 ft | 5.7% |
| Camino Inca Climb | 0.23 mi | 164 ft | 12.2% |
| Camino Inca Climb | 0.48 mi | 381 ft | 14.9% |
| The Gringo Killer | 0.00 mi | 16 ft | 33.1% |
| SunGate to MP | 0.83 mi | -659 ft | -14.5% |
| Av Hermanos Ayar Climb | 0.71 mi | 384 ft | 10.2% |
| climb back to aguas calientes | 0.77 mi | 361 ft | 8.8% |